Nigerian military frees another 250 Boko Haram captives

Sweep across northeast resulting in release of hundreds of prisoners, army says

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigerian special forces have rescued 247 hostages from Boko Haram, the army said Wednesday.

In a statement, spokesman Sani Usman said the captives were discovered Monday and Tuesday as the military cleared the northeastern state of Borno. Among the prisoners freed were 134 children and 71 women.

“All of them are undergoing preliminary investigation and screening to determine their status before onward movement to [an] Internally Displaced Persons camp for rehabilitation,” Usman said.

According to the statement, 77 Boko Haram members including women and children surrendered to troops. Several militants were killed.

Hundreds of prisoners of Boko Haram have been freed in recent weeks as the army sweeps remote areas of northern Nigeria in a bid to stamp out the seven-year insurgency.